Gaming method and host computer with ticket-in/ticket-out capability

ABSTRACT

A gaming apparatus which comprises a slot machine capable of accepting either paper currency, preprinted coupons, or cash out slips. The slot machine also includes a printer that prints and dispenses cash out slips which include a bar code representing a unique identification that provides the amount of “winnings”. The cash out slips can be scanned into a separate currency dispenser at a Cashier&#39;s Station for receiving currency, either from the dispenser or from an attendant. A central processing unit (CPU) generates the unique codes for regulating the game to be played, the wager limits of the game and the validity of the free play coupons or the cash out tickets. The above gaming system avoids having to use coins or tokens in the operation of slot machines.

BACKGROUND

[0001] At the current time, gaming apparatus, including slot machines,pin ball machines and other coin operated games, typically use coins tooperate the machines. The coins are inserted in a slot in the gamingapparatus and the player then operates the gaming apparatus based on thevalue of the coins deposited. Some gaming apparatus, rather thandispensing the players winnings after each play, store the value of thewinnings and indicate the remaining “credit” of the player. When theplayer wishes to stop playing, the coins are then dispensed into anexternal tray of the gaming apparatus. While the present invention isdescribed in relationship to a slot machine, the term slot machine isused to denote any gaming apparatus that receives money in some form andpays out money or credits.

[0002] In some instances, such as when the amount of the winningsexceeds the stored coins within the slot machine, an attendant isnotified that additional payment is necessary.

[0003] The use of coins in the casino operation for the playing of slotmachines has presented a great number of well-known problems that overthe years casinos have attempted to eliminate. These problems, amongothers, are: (1) coins take up a lot of space and have to be frequentlyemptied from the slot machine, requiring the play of the slot machine tobe interrupted; (2) a security guard is required to be present, togetherwith someone to physically move the coins to a central location; (3) thecoins then have to be separated, counted, stored and rolled for reuse;(4) coins are heavy and bulky. The amount collected in a typical day atan average casino may weigh more than two tons; (5) coins are dirty; and(6) coins required to operate slot machines represent an inventory(working capital) need of several million dollars. Each of the abovetasks takes a substantial amount of time, resources, and costs money.The collecting, counting and depositing of the coins may involve dozensof people.

[0004] In addition to the problems with the physical collection of thecoins, there are additional problems associated with the operation ofslot machines which use coins. The coins take up a lot of space withinthe slot machines and the slot machines must be designed so as toincorporate space for storing the coins. The use of coins to play slotmachines involves a great number of transactions, including gettingchange for paper currency. This requires numerous change attendants toconstantly walk around near the slot machines so that the players do nothave to leave the machines. Also containers have to be given to theplayers for carrying the coins to and from the slot machines. Paperwrappers from the coins are thrown on the ground near the slot machines.Also coins have to be counted by the change attendants after the playersstop playing.

[0005] There are slot machines that accept coupons or accept papercurrency. However, such slot machines also accept coins.

[0006] To overcome some of the above disadvantages in using coins forslot machines, there have been a number of attempts to devise a systemof money free slot machines.

[0007] The principal approach has been to use some form of credit cardor debit card having a user identification code that is inserted intothe slot machine, and by use of a Central Processing Unit theidentification of the user and the amount of credit available to theuser is controlled. A debit card is a card issued by a casino based on aprior cash deposit by the player, much in the same way used in somemodem subway systems.

[0008] One system uses credit or debit cards having a magnetic striprepresenting a predetermined value, which can be read by a slot machineequipped with a credit card reader, in place of money. The credit cardreader is connected to a central processing unit that determines thevalue of the card and the value of play.

[0009] While the above systems avoid the use of money, they aresusceptible to certain abuses which have made them generallyunacceptable to the casino industry. Predetermined credit or debit cardsare inconvenient and require the casino to establish credit limits forthe user, and are susceptible to counterfeiting or use by anunauthorized person. Some identification or other means of assuring thevalidity of the cards or user is necessary. As a result, these systemsdo not permit the user to treat the predetermined credit cards as thoughthe cards were money. This changes the gambling habits of the player,which is undesirable.

[0010] In the patent to Kapur, U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,295 a lottery ticketdispensing apparatus is disclosed which operates by use of papercurrency, credit cards or pay slips. The player obtains a pay slip uponpayment of money. The pay slip is coded and can then be ??? into itslottery gaming apparatus. The apparatus prints out a lottery ticket, buthas no means for printing any slip corresponding to a winning lotteryticket.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] In the gaming apparatus of the present invention a slot machinewhich does not use coins is described. Slot machines are typicallyactivated initially by the insertion of coins into the slot machinethrough a slot, thus the origin of the name “slot machine”.

[0012] In the present invention no coins are inserted into the slotmachine. The slot machine of the present invention includes an opticalpaper currency reader that is capable of recognizing and validatingpaper currency and providing the player with the credit corresponding tothe value of the currency.

[0013] The slot machine of the present invention also includes a barcode reader that can read and validate pre-printed free play coupons, orprinted cash out slips previously printed by the gaming apparatus with abar code representing the value of the coupon or cash out slip. The slotmachine also includes a printer that prints and dispenses cash out slipshaving the value of the cash out slip represented by a bar code. Theprinter is controlled by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) associated withthe slot machine.

[0014] Each individual slot machine includes a commercially availableUniversal Interface Board (UIB) that collects the slot machine data,such as the codes from the bar codes and the output of the papercurrency reader and formats it and then transmits it to the CPU. The CPUis located in a secured office at the casino. The printed cash out slipscan be accepted by the slot machines in order to obtain credit to playthe slot machine or can be inserted or scanned into a separate device ata change station to obtain actual currency.

[0015] The bar code representing the value of the free play coupon orcash out slip is augmented by a unique control number randomly generatedby the CPU in a well-known manner. When the coupon or cash out slip isput into the bar code reader, the CPU verifies the validity of theindividual coupons and cash out slips by verifying the unique controlnumber. Additionally, control numbers for free play coupons can begenerated externally and then entered into the CPU as a valid code.

[0016] The use of the above system in association with electronic gamingmachines eliminates the necessity of having slot machines dedicated to aparticular amount of wager. At the present time, the typical casino hasslot machines that are dedicated to accept only one value of coin. Forexample, a slot machine may be a 25 cent machine, accepting onlyquarters; a 5 cent machine; or a dollar machine. It is very timeconsuming to physically change the slot machine, which may be desirableduring a major event or New Years Eve, when slot machines having higherwager limits are desirable. By use of the subject system, it is possibleto change the wager limits of any or all of the individual slotmachines. Thus, the minimum wager of the slot machine can be changed atany time. It would also be possible to allow the player to select thewager limit.

[0017] This permits the casino operators to increase the usefulness ofthe slot machines to the casino. Previously one player desiring highwager limits than a companion would have to be separated, since thehigher limit machines would be separated from the lower limit machines.The current system permits high limit machines to be next to lower limitmachines, since all machines can have the values selected by the player.

[0018] Customers playing machines of different wagering limits may electto participate in common jack pot. This will eliminate progressivecarrousels from competing against themselves within the casino.

[0019] Another feature of the present invention that is advantageous tothe casino is the tracking of the amount of use of the slot machines bya particular player. This is important to a casino which frequentlyprovides perks to customers that use the casino to a significant extent.If the amount of dollars that are being played by a player is desired tobe tracked, the player can insert a room key, which in the preferredembodiment is in the form of a card which has a magnetic code on it,into the slot machine which would serve to identify the player. The CPUwould then store the amount of play, time and/or money, and/or theindividual player. The CPU would stop tracking the individual playerwhen a cash out slip was generated. This system provides a completeaccounting of customer accounts. Since the room key or card is only usedfor the identification of the player and not for providing credit, thesecurity difficulties and interference that is experienced with theother proposals described above are not encountered. If no room key orthe like is inserted, the slot machine still operates, but the player isnot tracked. Other player identification means besides a room key couldbe used, such as providing a special identification card to the player,or having a key pad or the like with the player inserting hisidentification code. Once a player has inserted an identification cardinto a slot machine, that player can then be tracked by the insertion ofany cash out slip generated by the slot machine for that player. Theplayer would not have to insert the identification card into a slotmachine as long as the player had a cash out slip.

[0020] At separate locations from the slot machines would be a “CashiersStation” controlled by the CPU. The Cashiers Stations would not have anygaming function. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,the Cashiers Station would pay players the value of the cash out slips.However, it is possible for the Cashier Station to provide cash ticketsfor use in the slot machines in exchange for currency credit card orother cash equivalents. Normally players would deposit paper currencydirectly into the slot machine and receive a cash out slip for theunused portion and/or winnings at the end of play. In anotheralternative embodiment, if a player only had coins available, then theCashiers Station would permit the player to convert the coins to a cashout slip that could be deposited into the slot machine. Having theCashier Station accept coins from the players would limit the collectionof coins to limited locations. Also, since the slot machines would beaccepting paper currency directly, many less coins would be deposited inthe Cashier Station. The Cashier Station also could accept cash outslips and dispense currency by an automatic money dispenser. Some ATMdevices instead of dispensing cash will dispense coupons.

[0021] The above described system overcomes the disadvantages of theprior cashless systems. The concern over counterfeiting of individualcash out slips is eliminated because the CPU will be able to keep trackof the unique random number for each cash out slip or coupon. When acash out slip or coupon is entered into the bar code reader, the CPUwill determine the validity of the code, and if invalid for any reason,such as it already having been used or cashed, the CPU would not giveany credit for the cash out slip or coupon and a silent alarm would beused to alert security personnel to go to the specific slot machine whenan invalid code was attempted to be used.

[0022] In effect, the system of the present invention permits the playerto use the gaming machines in exactly the same manner as if the playerwas using money. This means that the player does not have to change anyplaying habits, a very significant factor.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0023] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gamingapparatus that does not need to use coins;

[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved gaming apparatus that is convenient for the player to use;

[0025] It is still another object of the present invention to provide agaming apparatus that is reliable;

[0026] It is a further object of the present invention to provide agaming apparatus that does not require the player to change his playinghabits;

[0027] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide agaming apparatus that can accept preprinted free play coupons;

[0028] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide agaming apparatus that can use currently commercially availableelectronic components;

[0029] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide agaming apparatus that increases the usability of the slot machines inthe casino;

[0030] It is yet another object of the invention to provide controls andaccountability far superior to existing devices;

[0031] These and other objects of the present invention will be apparentfrom a review of the following specification and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic block diagram of the system of thepresent invention;

[0033]FIG. 2 is an exemplar of a typical cash out slip from the gamingapparatus of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 3 is an exemplar of a coupon capable of being used with thegaming apparatus of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 4 is an exemplar of a jackpot winner cash out slip from thegaming apparatus of the present invention; and

[0036]FIGS. 5a and 5 b are exemplars of typical menu screens capable ofbeing displayed with the gaming apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the block diagram of the components of theinvention are shown. The System 10 comprises components all of which arecurrently available from existing technology. The system itself isreferred to as a Coinless Gaming System and is referred to generally byreference 10.

[0038] The Coinless Gaming System is controlled by a host centralprocessing unit (CPU) 100 consisting of a stand alone computer havingall of the conventional attributes of a general purpose computer. In thepreferred embodiment a status brand fault tolerant computer is used. TheCPU 100 is connected to a series of gaming apparatus, such as slotmachines 200, 200 a . . . n. The play of the slot machine 200 iscontrolled by internal game software 202 with preset parameters for theplay of the game. In the preferred embodiment the desired game to beplayed is selected from a touch screen operable menu (shown in FIGS. 5aand 5 b) whereby the player can select the particular game that theplayer wishes to play, as well as other options, such as the amount ofthe wager. For example, the menu may provide the player with the optionsof playing blackjack, conventional slots, poker, horse racing, roulette,or any other game available on software. The player can also select theamount of the wager, for example in units of 25 cents, $1.00 or anyother amount permitted by the menu. The technology for touch screen menudriven devices is known. Such touch screen of the present invention issold commercially by Video Gaming Technology, Inc. and others. The CPU100 controls the various menu driven options, such as game selection andamount of the wager for the game.

[0039] The slot machine 200 includes a first input means in the form ofa paper currency reader 204. The paper currency reader provides a signalto the CPU 100 indicating that it is valid currency and value of thecurrency. The CPU then authorizes the appropriate credit to the gamingapparatus. The paper currency reader 204 is well known in the trade andis commercially available from numerous companies, including J. C. M.

[0040] While in the preferred embodiment the paper currency reader 204will be limited to United States paper currency, it is possible to haveseveral different paper currency readers or one reader that recognize avariety of international currencies. The CPU 100 can have the currentexchange rates for purposes of determining the credit available to theplayer.

[0041] The slot machine 200 has a second input means in the form of abar code reader 206. The operation of bar code readers are well knownand in the preferred embodiment a bar code reader commercially availablefrom Triad is used. While in the preferred embodiment the bar code isinserted in the form of a permanent storage means, such as on a papercash out slip, such as shown in FIG. 2, or free play coupon shown inFIG. 3, or Jackpot pay out ticket shown in FIG. 4, each of which has abar code on the ticket for reading by the bar code reader, it isrecognized that other forms of codes can be used in its place, such ascoded magnetic strips on plastic cards.

[0042] While in most cases the free play coupons will be in the form ofa monetary value, preprinted free play coupons not having money valuesassociated with them, but other forms of play are possible. For example,the coupon may be used to permit the player to compete in a contest forthe best hand in a casino wide poker contest, or other promotionalpurposes.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the paper currency reader 204 andthe bar code reader 206 are located within the housing of the slotmachine 200 so that the free play coupons, cash out slips and papercurrency are all entered within a single slot and stored on top of eachother in a single lock box that would be removable from the slot machineby authorized personnel. However, it is also possible to have the papercurrency deposited in a separate slot from the free play coupons or cashout slips and stored separately.

[0044] The slot machine also includes a bar code printer 208 forprinting cash out slips 220 having bar codes 222 on a permanent storagemedium, such as paper, which is stored within the housing. In additionto the bar code the cash out slip 220 may also contain other informationsuch as the date 224 of the print out of the cash out slip 222. A simpleroll of preprinted cash out slips should be sufficient to generate from400 to 800 cash out slips. A sensor can signal the CPU 100 when only ten(10%) percent, or some other amount, of the coupons are remaining sothat the paper can be changed. The printer 208 prints a bar code asdirected by the CPU 100. Such printers are well known. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention the bar code printer 208 iscommercially available from Star Micronics.

[0045] The printer 208 prints a bar code 222 on the cash out slips 220responsive to the instructions from the CPU 100. The CPU 100 generatesthe bar code to be printed. The bar code 222 represents the monetaryvalue of the value of the credit stored in the particular slot machine200 on the cash out slips 220, along with a randomly generated number inorder to permit the CPU 100 to verify the validity and uniqueidentification of the cash out slip 220 at a later time. This isnecessary since the bar code cash out slip 220 is capable of beinginserted as an input into the bar code reader 206. Upon insertion of thecash out slip 220 into the bar code reader 206, the bar code reader 206transmits a signal to the CPU 100 corresponding to the bar code, and theCPU 100 compares the bar code 222 on the particular cash out ticket withthose stored in its memory which contains the value of the cash outslip, the unique identification, and its status. For example, the statusmay be “paid”, in which case the cash out ticket will be considerinvalid and no credit will be given for the cash out slip. Since the CPU100 has randomly generated the unique identification, a cash out ticketcan receive credit only once. The options available if the code isinvalid are: (1) the slot machine will merely reject the cash out slipif it does not have any readable code, such as would be the case if itwas blank paper; or (2) if there is a readable bar code, but one that isan invalid code, security will be called.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, when papercurrency, a cash out slip or a free play coupon is inserted as an inputinto a slot machine 200, a status indicator in the form of a visualdisplay of the amount of the value of the ticket, currency or free playcoupon will appear on the screen, as shown in FIG. 5, with a query tothe player to verify that this is the right amount. If it is not theright amount or there is some other error, then the player would bedirected to call an attendant.

[0047] A third input to the CPU can be a player identification codereader 210 which is capable of reading a room key or specially encodedidentification card, such as one having a magnetic strip, foridentifying the player using the slot machine 200. This identificationcard is intended to permit the CPU 100 to keep track of the player andthe amount of time and/or money played by the identified player. Theidentification card is not intended to provide the player with credit sothe concern over the security of the card is not significant, as wouldbe the case if the identification card provided the player with creditor was used to store the amount of winnings of the card holder.

[0048] The identification card reader 210 input can also be a key padwhich the player would use to enter a number or some other means ofidentification. Such key pads are will known and are commerciallyavailable.

[0049] Also associated with the CPU 100 are one or more change stations300, 300 a . . . n or convenient ATM 500, 500 a . . . n devices whichinstead of dispensing cash, generate a coupon usable with the slotmachines 200. In the preferred embodiment, the change station 300consists of a second bar code reader 304 that accepts cash out slips222. The validity of the cash out slip 222 is verified by the CPU 100,and if valid, paid for by the attendant. Other security devices, such asholograms and the like that can be visually inspected to provide furthersecurity may be employed as well.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the change station can be moreautomated. The change station 300 in an alternative embodiment consistsof a second paper currency reader 302, a second bar code reader 304, anda second bar code printer 306 for printing bar codes on a permanentstorage medium. The second currency reader 302, second bar code reader304, and second bar code printer 306 are the same as used in the slotmachine 200. The change station 300 also includes a currency dispenser308 so that when a cash out slip 222 is inserted into the bar codereader 306, then paper currency and coins can be dispensed directly tothe user. In an alternative embodiment, a coin receiver is capable ofaccepting coins from a player in order to print cash out slips having abar code, in the same manner that the slot machine w00 would print outcash out slips, that could be used with the slot machines 200.

[0051] As is the case with the slot machine 200, in the event that acash out slip 222 is inserted into the bar code reader 304, the CPU 100will validate the cash out slip 222 by making sure that it had notalready been paid or otherwise valid. If it is valid then the currencywould be paid out by the Change Station attendant. The attendant couldbe advised of the amount of currency to be paid to the player by amonitor display or a receipt printer, such is used in cash registers.Such receipt printers are well known.

[0052] The CPU 100 is fed signals generated by the Universal InterfaceBoard (UIB) 400 which acts as the interface between the slot machine 200and the CPU 100. The UIB is a commercially available interface which iswidely used in the gaming industry to control the operation of existingstand alone electronic gaming apparatus. In the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the Universal Interface Board is sold by FiveStar Solutions, Inc.

[0053] The UIB consists of an electronic chip which collects all of theslot machine data, organizes and formats it, and then transmits theorganized data to the CPU 100. The UIB 400 also acts as a controller forthe operation and functions of the bar code reader 206, the printer 208,the paper currency reader 204, the player identification input and otherperipherals associated with the slot machines. The UIB 400 is capable ofbeing changed by the CPU 100 to alter any of its functions. Standardcomputer programming, such as is well known to computer programmers inthe gaming industry, is used to select the particular parametersdesigned to be employed in the operation and control of the UIB 400 andthe CPU 100.

[0054] While in the preferred embodiment, printed bar codes are used asthe encoding means, it is also possible to use other coding means, suchas magnetic codes on magnetic strips on plastic cards. The cards wouldbe treated the same as cash out slips, but would require magnetic codereaders and magnetic code generators rather than bar code readers andbar code printers.

[0055] While the present invention has been described in detail withregards to the preferred embodiment, it is appreciated that othervariations of the present invention may be devised which do not departfrom the inventive concept of the present invention.

What I claim is:
 1. A gaming apparatus that pays credits responsive tothe outcome of the game played comprising: a. an electronic memory meansfor storing the amount of credit available for the play of said game; b.an input associated with a paper currency recognition means forrecognizing and validating paper currency and providing a first inputsignal to said electronic memory means representing an amount of creditrepresented by said paper currency; c. a means for generating a firstcode on a first permanent storage record means representing creditstored and an outlet for said first permanent storage record means; d.an input associated with a code reading means for reading said firstcode on said first permanent storage record; and e. means for providinga signal to said electronic memory means representing the amount ofcredit represented by said first code.
 2. The gaming apparatus of claim1 in which said first code is in the form of a bar code and said codereading means comprises a bar code reader.
 3. The gaming apparatus ofclaim 1 in which said means for generating said first code is a bar codeprinter.
 4. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 in which said permanentstorage record is paper, said paper being stored in said gamingapparatus.
 5. The gaming apparatus of claim 4 in which said paper isstored in said gaming apparatus in the form of a roll.
 6. The gamingapparatus of claim 1 in which said first code is in the form of amagnetic code on a magnetic strip, and said code reading means comprisesa magnetic code reader.
 7. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 in which saidmeans for generating said first code is a magnetic code printer.
 8. Thegaming apparatus of claim 6 in which said permanent storage record meansis a card, said card being stored in said gaming apparatus.
 9. Thegaming apparatus of claim 1 in which said code reading means reads andvalidates preprinted coded coupons.
 10. The gaming apparatus of claim 9comprising a means for determining the validity of said coded couponsand generating a signal to the electronic memory means corresponding tothe value of said coded coupons only if valid.
 11. The gaming apparatusof claim 1 in which said first code includes a security code portion forthe electronic memory means to validate the code of said first storagemeans.
 12. The gaming apparatus of claim 11 comprising a means foraccepting coded coupons.
 13. A gaming apparatus that pays creditsresponsive to the outcome of the game played comprising: a. anelectronic memory means for storing the amount of credit available forthe play of said game; b. a code reader for reading a code on apermanent storage record means corresponding to the amount of creditrepresented by said code; and c. a means for generating a first code ona first permanent storage record representing the amount of creditstored.
 14. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 in which said first code isin the form of a bar code and said code reading means comprises a barcode reader.
 15. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 in which said meansfor generating said first code is a bar code printer.
 16. The gamingapparatus of claim 13 in which said permanent output record is paper,said paper being stored in said gaming apparatus.
 17. The gamingapparatus of claim 16 in which said paper is stored in said gamingapparatus in the form of a roll.
 18. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 inwhich said first code is in the form of a magnetic code on a magneticstrip, and said code reading means comprises a magnetic code reader. 19.The gaming apparatus of claim 18 in which said means for generating saidfirst code is a magnetic code printer.
 20. The gaming apparatus of claim18 in which said permanent storage record is a card, said card beingstored in said gaming apparatus.
 21. The gaming apparatus of claim 13comprising a means for accepting paper currency.
 22. The gamingapparatus of claim 21 comprising a means for determining the validity ofsaid paper currency and generating a signal to the electronic memorymeans corresponding to the value of said currency.
 23. The gamingapparatus of claim 13 comprising a means for accepting coded coupons.24. The gaming apparatus of claim 23 comprising a means for determiningthe validity of said coded coupons and generating a signal to theelectronic memory means corresponding to the value of said codedcoupons.
 25. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 comprising a papercurrency recognition means for recognizing and validating paper currencyand providing a first input signal to said electronic memory meansrepresenting the amount of the credit represented by said paper currency26. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 in which said first code is aunique code, representing the value of the amount of credit.
 27. Thegaming apparatus of claim 26 in which said first code is in the form ofa bar code and said code reading means comprises a bar code reader. 28.The gaming apparatus of claim 26 in which said means for generating saidfirst code is a bar code printer.
 29. The gaming apparatus of claim 26in which said permanent output record is paper, said paper being storedin said gaming apparatus.
 30. The gaming apparatus of claim 29 in whichsaid paper is stored in said gaming apparatus in the form of a roll. 31.The gaming apparatus of claim 26 in which said first code is in the formof a magnetic code on a magnetic strip, and said code reading meanscomprises a magnetic code reader.
 32. The gaming apparatus of claim 31in which said means for generating said first code is a magnetic codeprinter.
 33. The gaming apparatus of claim 31 in which said permanentstorage record is a card, said card being stored in said gamingapparatus.
 34. The gaming apparatus of claim 26 comprising a means foraccepting paper currency.
 35. The gaming apparatus of claim 26comprising a means for determining the validity of said paper currencyand generating a signal to the electronic memory means corresponding tothe value of said currency.
 36. The gaming apparatus of claim 26comprising a means for accepting coded coupons.
 37. The gaming apparatusof claim 26 comprising a means for determining the validity of saidcoded coupons and generating a signal to the electronic memory meanscorresponding to the value of said coded coupons.
 38. The gamingapparatus of claim 14 including an automatic pay-out system comprising:a second code reader for reading said first code on said permanentstorage record corresponding to the amount of credit represented by saidcode; a means for validating said first code and for providing a firstinput signal to said electronic memory means representing the amount ofcredit represented by said code, said electronic memory systemgenerating a second output signal representing the amount of currency tobe dispensed; a means for storing currency within said gaming apparatus;a recognition means for recognizing and distinguishing different valuesof currency and for dispensing said currency in response to said secondsignal from said electronic memory system.
 39. The gaming apparatus ofclaim 38 in which said first code is in the form of a bar code and saidcode reading means comprises a bar code reader.
 40. The gaming apparatusof claim 38 in which said means for generating said first code is a barcode printer.
 41. The gaming apparatus of claim 38 in which saidpermanent output record is paper, said paper being stored in said gamingapparatus.
 42. The gaming apparatus of claim 40 in which said paper isstored in said gaming apparatus in the form of a roll.
 43. The gamingapparatus of claim 38 in which said first code is in the form of amagnetic code on a magnetic strip, and said code reading means comprisesa magnetic code reader.
 44. The gaming apparatus of claim 42 in whichsaid means for generating said first code is a magnetic code printer.45. The gaming apparatus of claim 42 in which said permanent storagerecord is a card, said card being stored in said gaming apparatus. 46.The gaming apparatus of claim 38 comprising a means for accepting papercurrency.
 47. The gaming apparatus of claim 38 comprising a means fordetermining the validity of said paper currency and generating a secondinput signal to the electronic memory means corresponding to the valueof said currency.
 48. The gaming apparatus of claim 38 comprising ameans for accepting coded coupons.
 49. The gaming apparatus of claim 38comprising a means for determining the validity of said coded couponsand generating a second input signal to the electronic memory meanscorresponding to the value of said coded coupons.
 50. The gamingapparatus of claim 38 comprising a paper currency recognition means forrecognizing and validating paper currency and providing a second inputsignal to said electronic memory means representing the amount of thecredit represented by said paper currency
 51. The gaming apparatus ofclaim 38 in which said first code is a unique code, representing thevalue of the amount of credit.
 52. The gaming apparatus of claim 50 inwhich said first code is in the form of a bar code and said code readingmeans comprises a bar code reader.
 53. The gaming apparatus of claim 50in which said means for generating said first code is a bar codeprinter.
 54. The gaming apparatus of claim 50 in which said permanentoutput record is paper, said paper being stored in said gamingapparatus.
 55. The gaming apparatus of claim 53 in which said paper isstored in said gaming apparatus in the form of a roll.
 56. The gamingapparatus of claim 50 in which said first code is in the form of amagnetic code on a magnetic strip, and said code reading means comprisesa magnetic code reader.
 57. The gaming apparatus of claim 55 in whichsaid means for generating said first code is a magnetic code printer.58. The gaming apparatus of claim 55 in which said permanent storagerecord is a card, said card being stored in said gaming apparatus. 59.The gaming apparatus of claim 50 comprising a means for accepting papercurrency.
 60. The gaming apparatus of claim 50 comprising a means fordetermining the validity of said paper currency and generating a secondinput signal to the electronic memory means corresponding to the valueof said currency.
 61. The gaming apparatus of claim 50 comprising ameans for accepting coded coupons.
 62. The gaming apparatus of claim 50comprising a means for determining the validity of said coded couponsand generating a signal to the electronic memory means corresponding tothe value of said coded coupons.
 63. A method employing gaming apparatussaid gaming apparatus consisting of: a. a game that pays creditsresponsive to the outcome of the game played, said game associated withan electronic memory means for storing the amount of credit availablefor the play of said game; b. a paper currency recognition means forrecognizing and validating paper currency and providing a first inputsignal to said electronic memory means representing the amount of thecredit represented by said paper currency; c. a means for generating afirst code on a first permanent storage record representing the amountof credit stored; d. a code reading means for reading said first code onsaid first permanent storage record and means for providing a signal tosaid electronic memory means representing the amount of creditrepresented by said first code, consisting of the steps of depositingpaper currency or a permanent storage record having a code in the papercurrency recognition means or code reading means and upon completion ofuse of the gaming apparatus generating a first permanent storage recordcorresponding to the credits available.
 64. The method of claim 62further including the steps of inserting the first permanent storagerecord at a remote location in a second code reader means associatedwith said second code reader indicating the value of the credits.
 65. Agaming system comprising: a. a game that pays credits responsive to theoutcome of the game played, said game associated with an electronicmemory means for storing the amount of credit available for the play ofsaid game: b. a change system for providing currency in exchange forsaid credits; c. a input means for receiving a permanent storage record;d. a code reading means for reading a code on said permanent storagerecord corresponding to the amount of credit represented by said code;e. a means for validating said code and for providing a first signal tosaid electronic memory means representing the amount of creditrepresented by said first code; and f. a means for storing currency, anda currency recognition means for recognizing and dispensing currency inresponse to a second signal from said electronic memory meansrepresenting the amount of currency to be dispensed.
 66. A changestation comprising an exchange system for providing currency in exchangefor credits generated by a game in response to the outcome of the gameplayed comprising: an input means for receiving a permanent storagerecord; a code reading means for reading a code on said permanentstorage records corresponding to the amount of credit represented bysaid code; a means for validating said code and for providing a firstsignal to an electronic memory means representing the amount of creditrepresented by said first code; and a means for storing currency, and acurrency recognition means for recognizing and dispensing currency inresponse to a second signal from said electronic memory meansrepresenting the amount of currency to be dispensed.
 67. The gamingapparatus of claim 65 in which said first code is in the form of a barcode and said code reading means comprises a bar code reader.
 68. Thegaming apparatus of claim 65 in which said first code is in the form ofa magnetic code on a magnetic strip, and said code reading meanscomprises a magnetic code reader.
 69. The gaming apparatus of claim 67in which said permanent storage record is a card, said card being storedin said gaming apparatus.
 70. The gaming apparatus of claim 65comprising a means for accepting coded coupons.
 71. The gaming apparatusof claim 65 comprising a means for determining the validity of saidcoded coupons and generating a signal to the electronic memory meanscorresponding to the value of said coded coupons.
 72. The gamingapparatus of claim 65 in which said first code is a unique coderepresenting the value of the amount of credit.
 73. The gaming apparatusof claim 71 in which said first code is in the form of a bar code andsaid code reading means comprises a bar code reader.
 74. The gamingapparatus of claim 71 in which said first code is in the form of amagnetic code on a magnetic strip, and said code reading means comprisesa magnetic code reader.
 75. The gaming apparatus of claim 73 in whichsaid permanent storage record is a card, said card being stored in saidgaming apparatus.
 76. The gaming apparatus of claim 71 comprising ameans for accepting coded coupons.